Longtime Fan of Classic Film to Join TCM Host Robert Osborne
In Introducing "Essential" Classic Films that Everyone Should See

Fresh off his Emmy(R) for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) has signed to co-host Turner Classic Movies' (TCM) signature movie showcase, THE ESSENTIALS. Beginning in March 2009, Baldwin, who possesses a deep love and understanding of classic films, will join TCM host Robert Osborne in introducing "must see" movies each week, with an eye toward helping viewers better understand why these films are important and the impact they had on audiences and the culture at large. Baldwin has previously appeared on TCM as part of the network's Guest Programmer series. Earlier this year, he hosted the TCM special Role Model: Gene Wilder, in which he sat down with the comic actor for an intimate conversation about Wilder's life and career. TCM's THE ESSENTIALS showcase airs each Saturday at 8 p.m.

"Of all the contemporary stars who have appeared on TCM over the years, Alec Baldwin is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate about classic film," said Tom Brown, vice president of original programming for TCM. "After his Guest Programmer stint and the wonderful special with Gene Wilder, we knew we wanted to find new opportunities to work with him again. We are truly thrilled that he has enthusiastically accepted our invitation to co-host THE ESSENTIALS."

Baldwin is one of Hollywood's most charismatic and prolific actors. He is currently starring with Tina Fey in the hit comedy series 30 Rock, which has earned him an Emmy, a Golden Globe(R), a Screen Actors Guild Award(R) and a Television Critics Association Award.

On the big screen, Baldwin garnered raves for his performance in Martin Scorsese's The Departed and a 2004 Academy Award(R) nomination for his performance in The Cooler. Other film credits include Beetlejuice, The Good Shepherd, The Hunt for Red October, Miami Blues, Prelude to a Kiss, Malice, The Shadow, Glengarry Glen Ross, Heaven's Prisoners, Ghosts of Mississippi, The Edge, Pearl Harbor and The Cat in the Hat. He will next star in Lymelife, opposite Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Cynthia Nixon and Rory Culkin.

Among his many stage credits, Baldwin won acclaim and a Tony(R) nomination for his work opposite Jessica Lange in A Streetcar Named Desire, which also garnered him an Emmy nomination for the television adaptation. His other Broadway credits include Entertaining Mr. Sloane, The Twentieth Century and Serious Money. He won an Obie Award for his work in the off-Broadway production of Prelude to a Kiss and a Theatre World Award for his turn in Loot.

Baldwin's production company, El Dorado Pictures, co-produced TNT's Emmy-nominated miniseries Nuremberg and the feature film State and Main. He has also just released a book, A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey through Fatherhood and Divorce.

TCM will mark THE ESSENTIALS' ninth year in 2009. Past hosts have included filmmakers Rob Reiner, Peter Bogdanovich and Sydney Pollack. Robert Osborne took over hosting duties in 2005, paired with film critic and author Molly Haskell. He was joined by actress and bestselling author Carrie Fisher in 2007 and actress Rose McGowan in 2008.

Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, uncut and commercial-free. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the Martin Scorsese Presents: Val Lewton�The Man in the Shadows, the Emmy(R)-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story and the Emmy(R)-nominated Brando. More information is available at www.tcm.com.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.